Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Togafau soothed senators concerns regarding the $13 million MV Manu’atele.
He explained that because of US Coast Guard regulations neither the Fono nor the administration can do anything about the boat’s current situation.
The boat lost an generator a week ago and is not running.
It has a second generator but the Coast Guard says both must be operable.
There is nothing we can about it but the important thing according to the Senate President is that the needed parts for the boat are being ordered.
He said the administration wants the parts ordered as soon as possible so transportation to Manu’a can resume as soon as possible.
The Senate President pointed out that the government is not sitting on this matter but is doing everything it can to get the problem fixed.
He compared the MV Manu’atele’s situation to that of new vehicles.
When they are first purchased there are teething problems.
Several senators expressed concerns about the MV Manuatele not operating when it’s a brand new boat that cost millions of dollars.
